What are tonsils & adenoids?
Palatine tonsils (commonly called tonsils) are lymphoid tissue in the back of the throat and adenoids are lymphoid tissue in the back of the nose. When functioning properly, tonsils and adenoids help to fight infections. Similar to the appendix, they cause more harm than good in some people.
Are tonsils and adenoids always removed together?
No. Adult patients do not typically have adenoids. In children, adenoids are often removed with tonsils, but not always. Your surgeon will discuss this with you in detail at your visit.
Don’t people need their tonsils and adenoids?
There is other lymphoid tissue in the throat that continues to support the immune system after the tonsils and/or adenoids are removed. In the past, some people were concerned that children would be more susceptible to viral infections after tonsillectomy. There was a recent U.S. study that showed this is not the case. Children who had their tonsils and adenoids removed had the same risk of upper respiratory infections (colds) compared to children who did not have surgery.
What are the most common reasons to have tonsils removed?
- Obstructive sleep apnea or sleep disordered obstructive breathing in children
- Recurrent tonsil infections
- Enlarged tonsils which may block the airway, especially during sleep
- Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) which are hard, sometimes painful bits of bacteria and debris that get stuck in nooks of the tonsils
What is intracapsular tonsillectomy?
Intracapsular tonsillectomy is a surgical technique that removes the tonsil while leaving the protective capsule between the tonsil tissue and muscle in place. This procedure uses a very specialized instrument, the working end is the size of a pencil eraser, which allows the surgeon to vaporize and extract the tonsil tissue.
What are the advantages of intracapsular tonsillectomy?
Standard tonsillectomy involves removal of the entire tonsil and capsule leaving exposed muscle, which is rich with blood vessels and nerves. This area must heal its own over a period of 2 weeks. There is a higher risk of post-operative bleeding in standard tonsillectomy compared to intracapsular tonsillectomy. Intracapsular tonsillectomy allows patients to return to normal activity on average 4 days sooner. In our experience, there is less pain and greater patient satisfaction following intracapsular tonsillectomy.
What are the downsides to intracapsular tonsillectomy?
A large study of 1500 children showed a 2% risk of regrowth of tonsil tissue after intracapsular tonsillectomy. This is most common in children < 4 years old. This small risk is more than offset by the reduction in postoperative complications including life-threatening bleeding. A planned revision surgery is preferred over a rush to the operating room for emergent bleeding, which is a possible side effect with a standard tonsillectomy.
Is intracapsular tonsillectomy widely accepted?
This is the preferred method used by pediatric ENT physicians at Texas Children’s Hospital who have studied this technique in over 12,000 patients. No need to go to the medical center in Houston because we offer this procedure right here in Lufkin! For more information, contact Dr. Patricia McAdams.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a blockage of the airway during sleep that causes decreased or absent airflow for a period of time. This causes children to wake up or come out of the deep phase of sleep in order to start breathing normally again.
What causes obstructive sleep apnea in children?
In children, sleep apnea is most commonly due to blockage of airflow by the tonsils and adenoids.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in children?
Children with sleep apnea often snore loudly. You may even hear your child pause in breathing or gasp for air which is understandably alarming for parents. Children with obstructive sleep apnea are not able to get the deep, restorative sleep that they need in order to perform at their best during the day.
This can affect children in many ways including: bed wetting, decreased growth, tossing and turning at night, frequent night time awakenings, tiredness in the morning or throughout the day, difficulty paying attention, fidgeting, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), foul mood, teeth grinding and dental cavities from mouth breathing at night.
We have had many parents tell us that the quality of life of the entire family improved after their child had a needed tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy!
How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?
Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed with a polysomnogram (sleep study). Sleep disordered obstructive breathing is a diagnosis made by a doctor based on history and physical exam. Most children do not require a sleep study. At Lufkin ENT & Allergy, we will assess your child and order a sleep study only if needed.
Treat Your Tonsillitis Lufkin, TX
If you or your child suffer from tonsilitis or obstructive sleep apnea, you should discuss your adenoid and tonsil treatment options with one of the ear, nose, and throat surgeons at the Lufkin ENT & Allergy. Call (936) 699-3141 to book an appointment now.